Witness (18 page)

Dear Reader,

Writing Petra and Joe’s story was a real challenge for me. It deals with searching for truth and standing firm when others believe you are wrong. Petra’s journey from guilt and isolation to forgiveness and fellowship coincides with the solving of a heinous crime. Getting to know my characters is always a spiritual journey for me, too, as I walk with them through their problems and resolution.

I belong to a very special group—I’m one of four sisters. The other three are women I know I can turn to in time of need. They will always love me without being judgmental. They put up with my foibles, though they may tease a little. And they can always make me laugh. Sisters are a very special gift from God. Petra reclaimed her place among the Wilson sisters in this story. If you don’t have sisters, I urge you to find godly women you feel comfortable with and form a special bond with them as sisters in Christ.

I love hearing from my readers. You can visit me at my Web site at: www.susanpagedavis.com.

Susan Page Davis

1. Petra witnesses a horrible crime in chapter one and calls the police. Have you ever seen someone commit a crime, or an act that you knew was wrong though not illegal, and struggled with what to do?
   
2. When the police find no evidence and dismiss her claims, Petra feels abandoned and helpless. What would you do if you knew something important, but no one believed you?
   
3. During this time of crisis, Petra returns to prayer and begins to sort through her broken relationship with God. Why do difficult times bring us to spiritual introspection? What can we do at those times to make sure the resolutions we form in crisis are carried out when the pressure is off?
   
4. In chapter two, Joe has a very bad day. It’s so bad, he doesn’t feel like praying or listening to God. Have you ever felt that way? What should Joe do, and what do you do in times like this?
   
5. How did Joe’s annoying new neighbors turn out to be a blessing in his life? How was he a blessing to the sisters?
   
6. Petra gives several reasons for not telling her sisters about the murder. She doesn’t want to worry them. She’s afraid they won’t believe her. Near the end, she realizes part of her hesitation is pride. Has pride kept you from being open and honest with people you love? How can you remedy that?
   
7. Petra’s dog, Mason, brings her great joy, but he’s also caused her some headaches. Do you have a special pet? What does he bring to your life? What types of responsibility do pets bring you?
   
8. As a woman living alone, Petra takes safety precautions. How do you balance relying on God for safety with common sense measures? Has your need for safety ever kept you from doing something you wanted to do?
   
9. What Petra did was not always as important as what Rex thought she did. Petra and Rex’s gossiping neighbors also played a role in bringing the story to a violent end. How can misperceptions and rumors endanger people?
   
10. Our society puts a high value on “unconditional love.” Yet even Joe has a moment when he feels he must test Petra’s claims before he goes on with the investigation. Is there a time when others must earn our respect or love? What danger is there in trusting or loving a person without knowing all his underlying motives and conflicts?
    
11. Joe is careful not to lie to Mrs. Harwood and others he talks to in his investigation. How does this hamper his work? Would it be wrong for him to tell people he is a policeman, archaeologist or other professional? Is it wrong when he lets people think he is a policeman? On the job, he takes pictures of people without their knowing about it in order to prove their crimes. Is this wrong?
    
12. Petra carries her guilt for her role in Danny’s death for many years. How did this shape her interactions with other people and with God? What scripture could you give her to encourage her to leave the guilt behind?